As explained in the preface, when the first volume on German
Half-tracks (Concord No 7054) was released there was no intention to produce a
follow-up book. However, with the unearthing of new photos, the result is this
second compendium on the interesting topic of German half-tracked vehicles in
WWII.
The book is a highly useful collection of black and white
photographs, beginning with coverage of the diminutive SdKfz.2 Kettenkraftrad,
and moving on to bigger vehicles such as the SdKfz 10 D7, 3-ton SdKfz 11, 5-ton
SdKfz 6, 8-ton SdKfz 7, 12-ton SdKfz 8 and 18-ton SdKfz 9. It should be noted
that armoured halftracks like the SdKfz 250 and SdKfz 251 that appeared in the
original volume are not covered again here. Nevertheless, these aforementioned
half-tracks are extremely well represented, with photos showing them in all
kinds of theatres and periods of the war. Many of the pictured vehicles are
towing an array of trailers and artillery pieces that are sure to inspire many a
diorama by modellers. Each photo is aided by a detailed caption that identifies
key features and characteristics of the vehicle type. The book opens with a
useful summary of each type of halftrack featured inside.
In usual style for the series, the book also features 16 colour
plates prepared by Laurent Lecocq. These plates provide the perfect opportunity
to highlight camouflage paint schemes and vehicle/tactical markings. The
combination of a knowledgeable author and atmospheric wartime photographs
represents an inspiring book for any interested in the wide-ranging topic of
German half-tracks.
